A/N: EDIT: Well, didn't take long for the trolls to come out the wood work T_T

Even added some more content and trimmed up things, too.

No one noticed.

Still, I hope you're having a wonderful day~!

And if not, well! I hope this chapter makes things a bit better for ya.

As ever, we're following the Ember's Rule here. That's no joke. Really, it isn't.

If folks don't like this...well, it won't be continued. Every bit of feedback helps. Reviews are the fuel which keeps me writing in these crazy times. With my tight schedule -two jobs!- I simply don't have time to write a story folks don't like. Without them, my inspiration cannot take wing and I can't write a word. So by all means, speak up!

Also, a shameless plug to Fabvl's infamous Rengoku song "Heart Ablaze". Ironically, I only discovered it after I wrote the first chapter.

Still, it helped me write the second that much faster.

Now for the good 'ol Q&A:

Q: Update schedule?

A: Daily. If I vanish for a day or so, it usually means I'm working on a longer chapter.

Q: What will Naruto's weapon be once its forged?

A: Weapons. Plural. Had a lot of fun whipping them up. *cackles*

Q: How big is the timeskip?

A: Sizable, but we're not leaping straight to the events of canon. That would feel rushed. We've got a ways to go, demons -some to save, others to slay- not to mention well...you'll see.

As for Tanjiro's family...we'll be seeing them sooner than you think. Not this chapter, mind, but soon.

I've already had guesses as to what I intend for them, but I'll say no more than that.

Q: You're going to keep the styles visible, right?

A: Its often a hotly contested topic, but from what I've see, breathing styles are visible and do affect the world. Just look at Kyojuro's ninth form. It burned the hell outta the ground and charred Akaza. Yoriichi burned Muzan at that, as Tanjiro did Daki. Likewise, the Spider Mother felt rain from Tanjiro's blade before she died. I could go on and list other examples, but that would be beside the point here.

Furthermore, its proven possible for one to use multiple styles.

Q: Sun breathing Naruto, yes?

A: Um...how the heck would that be possible? Flame breathing and Sun breathing are two very distinct styles. Moreover, every breathing style descended from Sun at that.

Q: Did Kurama reincarnate too? Is a piece of his power with Naruto?

A: Can't answer that.

Q: Soo...Naruto and Rengoku are having their own Final Selection, right?

A: And others. Read and see. Through his very existence, Naruto's altered the timeline. Butterfly effect, if you will.

Q: Don't ruin Shinjuro -Rengoku's dad- he has a reason for being like that!

A: I...am aware of what you're talking about. That's all I'll say. Wouldn't do to spoil things.

Its going to be glorious.

As ever, I own no references, themes, or memes. Not a wit, not a one!

Now then, brace yourselves!

Trying to spread the love around~!

"Life isn't fair. There's no denying that.

Adapt, my sons. Learn. Sometimes, that's all you can do.

No matter what...I'm proud of you. Now go forth! Set your hearts ablaze!"

~Shinjuro Rengoku.

Blazing Hopes

A blazing red blade slammed down at Naruto's head.

Time unfolded slowly, blue eyes bulging as the undulating flames of the sword filled his vision and burned itself into his retina. Dead. He was going to die. If that him, he would absolutely cease to exist. A low roar swelled in his ears; not the heat of the inferno bearing down on him, but rather the own frantic hammering of his heart as he stared death in the face.

He blinked and reality snapped back like a rubberband.

Then he was moving -pivoting!- twisting his hips as he brought his borrowed katana around to meet it, trailing. Not head on. He didn't dare. He absolutely did not dare. While he knew he could match his opponent blow for blow, his sword would not. It would shatter, leaving him defenseless. Instead he raised his weapon at an angle; deflecting what would've been a decapitating stroke up at the last instant. Sparks skittered. Fire splashed at into his face, forcing him to squint against the light for all of an instant.

Yet for all that, he wasn't burned. The heat flashed by, leaving him untouched.

The flames loved him. That was the only explanation that made a lick of sense after all these years of training. While his tried-and-true instinct still wrestled with him on more than one occasion, the art of flame-breathing itself seemed to be...fond of him. Almost frightfully so.

Then the blade came in again and Naruto had no more time for thought. "Oi! Not so close!"

"Demons won't wait for you to recover boy!"

Rather than retort he struck the flat of the blade with his palm, diverting it by a hairsbreadth; enough for his borrowed blade to catch it on the backswing ; even then the sheer force behind the blow threatened to rip the sword from his grasp. Rather than resist he gave ground and rode out the force, using it to leap away. A bemused grunt told him he'd succeeded in at least surprising his opponent. Rightfully so. These days he didn't so much struggle with his sword as he did struggle to control his own strength.

"First form!" He inhaled sharply, fire gathering in his lungs, body temperature rising as he stepped inward. "Unknowing fire!"

Azure flames leaped from his blade, baleful blue fire scorching the air before him. It wanted to do more. The heat wanted to be set loose. To be free. To burn. He grabbed it and marshaled it, conjuring a wall of molten fire between him and death. His foe cut through it. Live steel. It would maim him if it struck. The blaze slowed the edge for but a moment, time enough for him to leap into the blaze, grab his enemy by the coat and-

"ORAH!"

Shinjuro Rengoku was not known for being terribly expressive in combat. Nevertheless, he cried out in surprise when his own son reached through the fire and flames to fling him over his shoulder. It didn't stop him for long; even as he fell his sword flitted out toward his back.

They both knew it for a desperate move, unlikely to connect.

Naruto ducked it and cut out at Shinjuro's knees before he hit the ground, forcing his sire into a clumsy block. His left knee struck the dirt a moment later - but he wasn't given time to rise. Gripping his blade in both hands, the younger blond hammered down on him, raining strike after strike into his father's guard. Each blow forced his arm -and by extension his blade!- further out from his body. He had him this time. He just knew it.

A sudden flash of heat was his only warning. "Second form...!"

"Not this time! You're not hitting me with that again!"

Naruto planted his feet, grit his teeth, and caught the strike on his crossguard. It rattled his arms, but he held fast. Shinjuro tried to push from a kneeling position, seeking to use his superior strength to overpower him. Imagine his surprise when another deflection came, downward this sang as it buried itself in the damp ground, sheathed nearly to the hilt. Naruto stomped down on it with his right foot, driving the weapon deep. Live steel, sharp enough to draw blood, to end a life. He took a moment to savor the surprise on his father's face before he struck.

Levering himself up on that very same hilt, he spun and smashed a knee into his father's chin.

For the first time in sixteen years, the Flame Hashira went down in a heap.

Naruto waited for his old man to rise, as he always had.

Any moment now he's spring to his feet and make him rue the day. He'd done it before. His eyes snapped to where his father's blade lay, far and out of reach. A hand rose, perhaps to try and grasp it-no, no, an open palm truck the dirt instead. Once. Twice. Thrice.

.

..

...eh?"

In that moment something came loose inside him.

Three swift strides carried him forward; the tapered tip of his borrowed blade kissed the underside of his father's chin. He almost couldn't believe it. Had he really? No tricks. No traps. Shinjuro was still conscious, still very much breathing, but he made no move to rise.

"Get up." Naruto prodded him once. "We're not done."

"No, we are." His father disagreed, gazing up at the cloud-spattered afternoon sky. A hint of sunlight broke through, shining down on them both. "You...pass."

Naruto nearly dropped his sword. "Old drunk say what now?"

"Did I stutter?" Dad gave his knee a half-hearted kick from where he lay. "You pass."

The words were a cool blanket of relief, soothing his ragged nerves. A triumphant grin bloomed across his whiskered face. "Ha!"

Shinjuro was a Hashira for a reason; not only was he a monster in armed combat, but he was ruthless when it came to training. In combat, every opening was something to be exploited. To ignore such was to die. He and Kyojuro had become more and more powerful as the years swept by, but Dad always seemed just out of reach. Today was the first day he'd landed a clean hit on him. Twice, at that.

Made him feel warm and fuzzy, it did.

Sheathing his sword took a physical effort on Naruto's part, if only because is fingers were trembling from excitement. Final Selection would be...wait, that was tomorrow, wasn't it? His and Kyojuro's last test before they became true Slayers. Only two days ago his beloved brother had already proven himself worthy; he was off making final preparations for his journey up the mountain. Tomorrow he would head to Mount Fujikasane to be tested...and he'd just won the right to go with him. It felt good. Really good. Naruto tilted his head back, basking in the sun and the knowledge that he'd won. He'd proven himself above all.

A faint scent reached his nose. Naruto sniffed.

Frowned, as he recognized it.

'I know that smell...

Blue eyes narrowed to thin cerulean slits. Shinjuro looked thoroughly dazed, and in no hurry to rise. Didn't take much to realize why. He'd called him an old drunk in jest earlier, because like it or not, the old geezer had taken to drinking as of late. Never when he was training them, and certainly not when he was off on a mission, but this...?

But this was a first.

Naruto's good mood evaporated like so much morning mist. His arm snaked out like a viper; his hand plucked at his father's coat, hauling him into an upright position. Blue eyes met red...and the latter were nothing short of hazy. He sniffed again and caught the pungent odor of sake on his breath.

"Are you drunk?"

Shinjuro looked away, face gone pensive. "No?"

A muscle jumped in the younger blond's jaw. "Daaaaad!"

Snarling, he caught the older man by his face and pinched his cheek.

"Ow!" The older man put up a token resistance, but his laughter sounded painfully forced. "Easy, there! You still beat me!"

Anger took wing in his heart, beating up a storm in his veins.

Naruto released him and flung up his arms. "You're impossible!"

Times like these worried him; if only because could feel his father's fire -his spirit!- starting to wane. He was putting an effort in for them now, trying to put on a brave face, but if mom died, that might go out entirely. He wouldn't be a shell of his former self, ruined and pitted by his loss. As would they all.

Because make no mistake, Ruka Rengoku was dying.

It had been a slow decline; her health hadn't worsened out of the blue; rather, she simply started to wane. Now she scarcely left her bed. Was it poison? A curse? Just her time? The doctors couldn't say. Their medicine did nothing to help her. Day by day she grew weaker. If this continued, sooner or later she would...

...no.' he shoved the thought away. 'Don't think about it.'

Senjuro gazed up at him, awaiting his judgement. Somehow that made it so much worse.

"I met a great man, once. He taught me so, so many things; back when I didn't know what I wanted to do. I stumbled so many times." when his father looked away and he yanked him back. "But he always caught me. His words always stuck with me. He saved so many lives with nothing but a sword." both men looked to his fallen blade across the yard. "I suppose you could say...he inspired me. I learned a lot from watching him. "Do you know who I'm talkin' about?

Silence reigned supreme between father and son.

Naruto's right eye twitched.

His hand blurred.

Blurred, and Shinjuro's head snapped to the side, bearing a bright red handprint across his cheek.

"That's right!" the whiskered warrior lowered his hand, palm stinging. "You!" another strike sent him sprawling into the dirt. "Snap out of it, old man! Now isn't the time to be sulking!" a third blow rocked his sire back into the dirt. "Mom needs you! We need you! No more drinking! You hear me!" He wound up for a fourth blow. "Act your damn age! Or I'll keep punching you!"

A hand caught his wrist and squeezed, grinding the bones together painfully.

Shinjuro glowered up at him from the ground, face gone red. Naruto wondered if he would strike him. One goo smack would send him flying and at this range, he had no way of dodging. He still stood his ground. If a punch was the price to pay for a pep talk, then he'd bear it gladly.

"Well?!" he growled, butting his head against his. "Have I gotten through to you?!"

He wasn't prepared for the tears.

They came suddenly, spattering the dusty ground at their feet.

...thank you." his father didn't -wouldn't!- look at him, but his voice was a gravelly sigh as he wiped his face. "I think I needed that."

They both did, more than he knew. But he couldn't give up so easily. "I won't let mom die."

His father growled, then seemed to think better of it, mastering himself. "Naruto...there's no way to save her."

"There has to be!" he squirmed free from his father's grasp and stomped off. "We just haven't found a way. There must be! You'll see!"

Unbeknownst to him, Shinjuro heaved a sigh. "Such a stubborn son I have...

His gaze strayed to his fallen sword, cast by the wayside.

After a moment's hesitation he retrieved it.

Just as heavy as he remembered.

Such was the weight of a life.


(.0.0.0.)


The door slid apart with a wordless sigh.

...you awake in there, mom?"

Ruka Rengoku cracked a red eye open with a soft sigh. The mere act of doing so drained her. Sitting up unaided proved an effort in and of itself these days; if only because her trembling limbs and brittle bones didn't wish to support her. So heavy. Sometimes it felt like it was all she could do to keep herself awake; as if she would just one day close her eyes...and never open them again. By rights, she should have died long ago. She knew that.

How was it she'd lasted this long? Perseverance? Faith? Blind bloody luck?

.

..

...how silly of her. She already knew the answer. Love kept her going. Love for her dear Shinjuro, who would be so very lost without her. Love for children; her fiery twins Naruto and Kyojuro, and little Senjuro, still too young for the harsh reality of this world. Love and willpower were all that kept her going these days; she'd held out this long through determination and little else.

Naruto coughed, reclaiming her attention once more. She smiled for his sake.

He looked so dashing today in that red-on-gold haori of his. The coat matched his hair perfectly, yet contrasted nicely with his dark navy yukata and black hakama pants. At sixteen years, her little boy had grown up. Just looking at him now put a smile on her face.

'I do hope he finds himself a proper wife someday...

Of course, saying such would embarass him, and so she held her tongue.

"You have your blade, I trust?"

...yeah."

Naruto patted the worn hilt in his sash and grunted his acknowledgement. Kyojuro had one just like it. One day they would have their own nichirin swords. But for now, these would do. Her husband's spare blades would see them through Final Selection. And in time, they would forge their own. Destiny awaited. They had but to grasp it with their own hands.

"Have you come for my blessing, then?" her smile was wan, even by her standards. "You know you don't need it.

Her son laid his sword on the mat and knelt before her.

...I don't wanna go."

Ruka recognized the unspoken plea. Don't make me leave. He feared this might be the last time he saw her. Rightfully so.

"You'll be fine." she folded her hands in her lap and smiled for his sake. "Look after your brother, won't you?"

His laughter was soft, bitter through his teeth. "Think its the other way around there, mom."

No, no, no. That wouldn't do.

She opened her arms to him. "Come here."

The boy blinked. "Eh? C'mon, I'm a little old for that-

Ruka spread her arms yet wider and looked at her son. That glare had brought Hashira to heel.

More than once, demons cowered before the fire in her eyes. Though she wasn't a Slayer, she was not without her own skills; nor so helpless as she appeared.

Naruto was many things, but at the end of the day was very much a mother's boy. He folded beneath her gaze and shifted closer on his knees. Just an inch. Just a touch. Just a tad. It was enough. The moment he drew near, Ruka grabbed him and hauled him into her bosom.

"Hey!" he grunted in surprise. "What're you doing?"

Silly boy. Her chin came down atop his head, locking him in place. He really was like a furnace. Just holding him brought strength back to her numb fingers and for a blessed moment, merely by holding him close, she felt like she could live a little longer. Foolishness, of course. No one could stave off death forever.

Not even her stubborn son.

Her journey was coming to an end. It...had been a good life. She'd lived it to the fullest, not as the warrior she'd initially wanted to be, but as a mother. Ruka liked to think she'd made peace with that. Her path, once filled with pain had finally reached its conclusion. But her sons had only just begun to tread down that road. Naruto and Kyojuro would go far. She knew it. Even little Senjuro, who ever followed his older brothers about like a lost puppy, would day become something grand.

"Mom?"

Ah, but her eldest was speaking to her and she must attend.

"You know," Ruka held him a little tighter. "I once said these words to your brother. I'll say the same to you. I...," she swallowed once to steel herself, "I don't have much time left in this world...

He tensed in her arms. "Don't say that."

...Nevertheless, I feel so blessed to have been your mother."

He made a noise of anger. "Stop! Don't talk like that! You've still got plenty of-

"Shh." she kissed his head. "Let me finish while I can still speak. Before that too, is taken from me."

He clammed up. Such a good son.

Ruka's room spun around her for and bile rose in her throat. No. Not bile. Blood. Her atrophied lungs ached, trying to cough, but she clawed the fit away and swallowed anew. The mere act of doing so threatened to bring tears to her eyes, but she refused to shed them. She'd already cried with Kyojuro earlier today. That had already taken so much from her. She refused to let her emotions slip a second time.

Not here. Not now. Not before she saw her son off.

"Sometimes, I find it hard to believe I gave birth to such a caring and gentle child." her hand stroked the back of his head, running in smooth circles. "Nothing could make me prouder."

He'd been a such a depressed child at first; bless his brother, he'd found his way past that. In time he would find someone of his own.

"Perhaps you should take a wife for yourself." her tongue betrayed her as surely as her body had. "Love's a wonderful thing. You should experience it at least once in your life."

Naruto buried his face in her shoulder to hide his blush. "Mom!"

"So very kind." she hummed. "You would even spare a demon, if you could."

A lone tear escaped her right eye, rolled down her cheek, and splashed into her son's hair. She knew Naruto felt it, because he sucked in a breath.

It almost sounded like a sob.

"Do not cry for me." she nuzzled her forehead to his. "if you want to do something for me, then live once I am gone." This might well be her last moment holding him; she intended to make it count. "Live your life, settle down, find your self a nice girl or two, and have lots of children." when he tried to protest, she tweaked his ear. "Live in the future, not the past. And remember. Never run. Never die. Hold your head high in all that you do."

...I will." he drew away at last, trying not to look at her pale skin, trying not notice that she'd become terribly thin. "But you're gonna be fine! There's a cure out there! I just know it!"

Oh, my sweet summer child. She would spare him the pain of failure, if she could. Kyojuro knew she was going to die. He'd accepted it in his own way. Shinjuro avoided the subject like the plague, while Senjuro was yet too young to truly understand. Ignorance was bliss on that front. But Naruto...there could be no changing his mind.

And so, like a good mother, Ruka did not try.

"Go on, now." she nudged him once Your brother's waiting for you."

She could see the anguish in his eyes; see that he wanted to stay. Caught between a rock and a hard place, unwilling to go, yet unable to stay and watch her waste away.

"Go." Ruka swallowed her tears and gave her boy another, gentler nudge. "I'll see you when you return."

The hope in his eyes was almost painful to behold.

"Promise?"

...yes." She hooked her pinky with his, as she'd once done when he was small. "I expect to hear a great many stories when you pass your trial."

He didn't hear the lie in her words.

"Yeah! Just you wait!" He darted back in and gave her a brisk hug. "I'll find a cure for you. I swear!"

"I know you will, my beautiful boy."

His face flamed red and he snatched up his sword, then slammed the door. Ruka listened to the sound of his footsteps.

Waited until she could no longer hear the; made certain he was gone.

Only then did she break.

"Ack!"

Blood burst from her lips as she doubled over and coughed; what little strength his presence gave went with it.

It wasn't fair. None of it was. She wanted to see Naruto grow into the splendid young man she knew he would be. She longed to hear Kyojuro laugh as he introduced her to his future wife. She wished more than anything to see Senjuro grow into a splendid swordsman. To chuckle as a Shinjuro's made a fool of himself over their future grandchildren. She wouldn't live to see any of it. How long did she have left? A week? A month? Perhaps a year if the gods smiled on her...? Not long enough. Not nearly long enough.

A lone tear struck the floor and that was it; the floodgates opened and she broke.

Ruka stifled a wail against her palm.

"I want to live...


(.0.0.0.)


"..."

Naruto leaned against the wall nearest to the door, hidden just out of sight.

He'd hesitated on a whim, wanting to make sure she was alright. Now he wished he hadn't. His heart twisted as he heard the pitiful sounds she made. Those four little words. Even then he didn't reveal himself for fear of causing her further pain. No, he didn't speak a single sentence. Not a word. Instead he lingered; listening to every sound she made, every gasp of pain, and carved it into his soul. His poor ears were only granted a reprieve when Ruka Rengoku cried herself to sleep.

.

..

...only then did he finally find the strength to venture outside.

His mother's pain only reaffirmed his resolve to save her.

He'd find a cure. So he swore.


(.0.0.0.)


...we'll make camp here. Is that alright?"

Naruto grunted and he laid out his bedroll under the stars. Nothing more.

His brother's reticence worried Kyojuro more than words could possibly hope to exrpess. He'd not said a thing since they'd left home; even now, miles from home, with the distant specter Mountain looming on the horizon, still he refused to speak. Alone, that wasn't any cause for true concern, but the stiffness of his movements were. He wasn't controlling his breathing. Those once vibrant blue eyes were distant. Vacant. Hollow. His thoughts were elsewhere, and wherever they were, they were not on the task at hand.

He wondered how long his foul mood would last. Hopefully it would clear up with the dawn.

Mount Fujikasane was quite the distance days away; no matter how quickly the moved, they couldn't simply couldn't reach it before nightfall...regardless of how much his brother wanted to press on.

They'd found a traveler's rest on the road, little more than an old lean-to that someone hadn't bothered to clean out in some time. A bit of busywork saw it fit to use; the assorted twigs and leaves proved decent fuel to get a fire going. Beyond that lay a ring of large stones, the purpose of which he didn't understand. In the end, though he dismissed them, he couldn't dismiss his sibling.

...brother?"

No response.

Kyojuro stifled a sigh.

This wasn't something a prank could solve. Only time.

"I'll take first watch." Naruto broke the tableau between them abruptly, head rising to regard the starry sky above. "Get some sleep...


(.0.0.0.)


"Raaargh!"

Flesh met stone and the latter yielded Naruto punched the boulder with all his might. Thin fractures etched themselves across its smooth surface, but the rock held. His temper did not. Anger boiled in his blood, urging him on. He roared and slugged the rock again, driving his knuckles deep into the flinty surface. Those flimsy fractures became fissures; deep cracks carving themselves across the boulder's face. Still it stood fast. Mocking him. He was half tempted to hack at it with his borrowed blade, but he wasn't so far gone as to risk his only weapon

"All this power," he grumbled to himself, "And for what?!

His bloody knuckles held no answers for him. He slugged the boulder again.

"What's the point of even trying to become a Demon Slayer if I can't save my own mother?!"

Loss gnawed at him, not just now, but faint and familiar. As if he'd experienced this before. Somewhere. In another life. He glared at the boulder and experienced a wild flash of someone with red hair. Someone who most assuredly wasn't Ruka Rengoku. The memory slipped through his fingers even as he grasped at it.

His eyes were itching. He didn't realized they'd blazed red.

"Its not fair!" His fist cracked out and he felt something snap in one of his fingers. His pinky finger twisted painfully. He spun away with a hiss, clutching at it. "I'd give anything to save her. So why can't I?"

A low chuckle echoed behind him.

"Would you now?"

Naruto whirled and found someone sitting astride the very boulder he'd just struck.

A beautiful woman gazed down at him, smiling in the moonlight. Pale was her face; her scarlet cat-like eyes the deepest shade of red he'd ever seen, framed by hair so dark it may well have been cut from midnight itself. Dark ringlets sheltered her face, the rest bound up by a string of scarlet beads that clinked softly when she shifted her weight to one side. Clad in a flowing black kimono like some courtesan of old, she gazed upon him without a hint of fear.

"Just how much would you give, I wonder?" Those bestial eyes regarded him as a lion would a sheep. "Your sword? Your life? Your very soul?"

He tried to speak, but for the first time in forever, his tongue failed him. "Eh?"

"I'm sorry," she purred with a voice sweeter than sin, "I simply couldn't help but overhear your plight."

Overhear him how?! He hadn't even heard her coming! And those eyes...

They were fixated upon his hand. His bloody hand.

"Oh, dear." she tutted. "You're wounded. Here. Let me see it...

Faster than he could blink, the strange woman reached down from the boulder to grab him by the hand. She brought it up to her face and he realized his peril too late. Her tongue flitted out, lapping up a bit of his blood. He recoiled at once, cradling his injured hand to his chest, but the deed was done.

"Curious." she let him go, smacking her bloody lips with a pleased hum. "And strangely sweet."

Dulled by fear though it was, Naruto's mind gradually began to comprehend what -who!- he was speaking to. He gulped once and felt his blood run cold. Demon. This was a demon. There could be no denying her inhuman nature. She didn't even try to hide it. This was no feral demon. This was something greater. Stronger than him at any rate.

'I'm not ready for this.'

Ready or not, here she was. His gaze strayed.

Kyojuro slept soundly in the lean-to, only a few yards away. If he called out...!

"Do not raise your voice." all levity left her voice in an instant intoned. "I come in peace, little slayer. Wait." she sniffed once, then amended her words with a laugh. "No, not a slayer. Not yet...

Peace?! After licking him?! His hand flew to his sword, gripping the hilt so hard he heard it creak. He took on a stance and inhaled deeply, narrowing his concentration to a single point. He'd not faced a demon before, but he was confident in his skills. This wasn't a good demon, if there even was such a thing. He just needed to take her head before she took his-

Wait.

Only then did he realized his wound was mended; because he could grip his sword again. A startled blink confirmed it - though bloodied, his finger was whole once more. Why? Had the woman done something? He couldn't have healed on his own just now. No. Surely not. Not...not that fast. Right?

.

..

...right?

"Feels better, no?" the woman's red eyes danced with thinly concealed mirth. "You're welcome."

Anger boiled back to life in him. "Identify yourself!"

"Peace." she repeated; a pale palm rose and he glimpsed her clawed fingers. "I mean you no harm."

...I asked you a question." he grit his teeth. "Who are you?"

"My name?" That drew a slow, almost lazy blink from her. "It is of no importance."

Naruto very much believed it was!

"If you must know," She shifted just so and sprawled herself out across the boulder, granting him the glimpse of an alabaster leg and the curve of her hip besides, "Think of me as a...good Samaritan, of sorts." A single strand of ebony hair fell past her ear, and she ruthlessly tugged it back into place with thin fingers. The demure act failed to hide her smile, or her fangs as she grinned at him. "A simple stranger, passing by in the night. After all," idly, he noticed a gourd of sake clutched in her off hand. "Its a lovely evening for a drink, don't you think?"

For his blood, apparently!

"Calm yourself. Your plight has touched my heart." as he looked on she laid a hand upon her bosom and leaned forward. "If you wish to save your mother, I know of a way."

Naruto forced his hand to uncurl from his hilt. "...and what way is that?"

Her smile grew decidedly sly. "Make her a demon."

A blond brow rose. "You're kidding me, right?"

"It is a most generous offer." she lifted a saucer of sake to her full lips and drank deeply before continuing. "You would never need fear for her life again. Any disease that plagues her would be burned away." he twitched and her smile grew yet further as she lowered her palm. "Your mother would remain forever as you remember her; never falter, never fall sick, never grow old and die. Is that not what you wish? To have her by your side, watching over you, forever?"

He gnashed his teeth. "At the cost of her humanity."

"Humanity." Her smile told him he'd walked right into her trap, though he knew not what it was. "Such a simple word. What is human nature but demonic nature?"

No. This was madness. "She wouldn't be able to go outside ever again!"

"It is not such a hindrance as you think. See for yourself."

His every sense screamed a warning.

For all that, he was too slow.

In his first life he might well have seen it coming and reacted in time. In this one, he barely had time to blink before she was off the boulder and upon him.

"What as it you once said?" A clawed finger touched his forehead, pricking at his skin. "You want to make peace with demons?" She scoffed, lips a breath from his own. "How can you do such when you're so pitifully weak?"

...how do you know that?"

"I have my ways." Her smile was nothing short of sly. "Perhaps you should become a demon yourself. Then you would better understand us."

His throat closed. "What?"

"You're quite the lucky man, Naruto." her hand shifted from his head to cup his cheek. "Under normal circumstances I would never make such an offer as this."

He tensed. "So why are you...?"

"Curiosity, I suppose. You intrigue me." Her fingers dug into his face, preventing him from pulling away. "That said, I am quite familiar with the malady from which your mother suffers." when he didn't object, she prattled on. "It is a wasting disease. She lives, for now. But that will soon change." her words grew dar. "Soon enough, her lungs will fail. Before that, her mind will go. By the end, she won't even recognize you-

Naruto yanked his sword free from its scabbard.

The woman clicked her tongue and something ripped it from his hands. It flew over his shoulder and landed in the dirt.

"Careful, now." she wagged a finger at him. "You have spirit. I like that, but do not test my patience."

He stalked away. "We're done here."

"You will find no cure." The woman did not raise her voice when he turned his back. There was no need. "The best you can hope for is two years, three, if you want to watch her descend into madness. In truth, she likely has one."

Naruto grit his teeth until he felt his jaw ache. He knew he was being baited. Even a rookie could see such. It didn't stop him from rising to said bait.

"You don't know that."

"I know a great many things, boy." she crossed one leg over the other, seemingly uncaring as he retrieved his blade. "More than you can possibly imagine." He tried not to stare when she began to drink again. "Time has granted me much." here at last, a note of sympathy threaded its way into her words. He couldn't be sure if it was genuine. "You will lose her. Such is the fate of all things mortal."

Still, to make her a demon...! "And what would I have to give you in return?"

The woman gave him a beatific smile. "Nothing."

Nothing?! Paranoia reared its ugly head. This was a trick of some sort. "I don't believe you."

"Your belief is inconsequential. Her voice held a low, silken lilt to it now, and it set off all manner of alarms in his head. "You have nothing I want...yet."

"..."

"You needn't give your answer now." without warning she pulled away. "Time means little to me. Go." she patted his cheek as one might when sending a lover or a dear friend off to war. "Face your trial." once again, her smile told him she knew far too much about what he was to face. "Rise through the ranks. Become a Hashira. You will see. You'll find no solace in the arms of humanity."

Something about her words struck him. "Who are you, really...?"

The air shimmered between them.

"Do you know me?" the woman tilted her head, her full lips quirking into a smile. "Do you know what I am? Do you want to know my name?"

Naruto had a feeling he was going to regret this, but curiosity had him now. There could be no turning back.

...yes."

"This is what I am called." The clouds swept in from on high, blotting out the light of the moon above. Shadows crept in to drench them in darkness. She leaned in with a wicked smirk, eyes aglow in the black. Pale lips brushed his ear.

And she spoke.

"...!"

"One year, Naruto." her voice was a whisper, sending a shiver of dread shooting down his spine. "I'll be waiting. And remember...

Pale hands flitted out, cupping him by the face. Her forehead kissed his, bringing with it the faint scent of blood. When he tried to look into her eyes they were closed. A small, secret smile plucked at her full lips, almost as if she were savoring the moment, storing it away for later.

...its our little secret."

Wind kicked up, forcing him to shield his face.

When he blinked, the moon shone on, as it always had.


(.0.0.0.)


Naruto was pensive come dawn.

Kyojuro wondered why. Perhaps he was dwelling on the past.

And so they trudged on in comfortable silence, neither speaking a word.


(.0.0.0.)


Wisteria bloomed wildly upon Mount Fujikasane.

Even out of season, great trees of the violet flower flowed from the mountain's base, right up to the slope. They seemed to glow in the low light, leaving a lively vibrancy in the night. It was beautiful, no two ways about it, a rare sight that few could claim to have seen and lived.

Here at last, a faint smile crossed Naruto's face.

Fujikasane Mountain was...well, it was lovely. The mere act of ascending that worn stone staircase soothed his soul; his thoughts turned outward, focusing on the present rather than the past or the future. Shinjuro had given them an inkling of what they were to face here, but seeing, as they said, was believing. It would be held here; their first and final test. Live or die.

"One year, Naruto...

He shivered and rubbed at his arm.

Kyojuro slapped his shoulder, hard enough to sting.

"Ow!" He rounded on him, rubbing his sore limb. "What was that for, you big lug?"

Merry laughter greeted his thunderous scowl. "Just making sure you're awake, brother of mine."

Leave it to his beloved brother to try and cheer him up. But they weren't little kids anymore. Vengeance would be his.

A blond brow began to twitch. "Kyo~ju~ro~!"

"Hahaha! It was a joke! Nothing more!"

Thankfully -for him!- they crested the steps at that moment, and whatever anger he might've felt was stolen away by the sight that awaited them beyond.

...wow."

If the mountain had been grand, this area was nothing short of lively.

Red pillars dotted the landscape beyond, strewn with strange hung flags he didn't recognize. Not quite arched, but noticeable all the same. Six in all, they led up toward two a pair of staircases twisting away into the mountainside. A pair of young children clad in violet kimono stood before either, one with dark hair, the other black. Twins?

Still, there were so...many...people! Dozens, at least!

He espied two young boys off to one side; one with dark hair and deep blue eyes, darker than even his own. Clad in a red haori and black hakama complete with white leg wraps and matching sandals. Completing the odd ensemble he wore a strange mask of some sort on the side of his head, white with light blue eyes.

A warding mask, perhaps? Why did it look like a fox...and why did he like that?

His comrade couldn't have been stranger; if only because of his peach-colored hair and the scar etched into the side of his face. He wore a green yukata patterned with wild hexagons of green-on-yellow tied off near the waist with a bit of black fabric. He too wore one of those strange warding mask on the side of his visage, though the low light prevented him from seeing it s color.

Lavender eyes met his across the way. He nodded once and unbidden, Naruto found himself returning it.

Kyojuro hummed at his side. "It seems there's quite a few newcomers this year!"

"Seems like it." Naruto let his gaze stray yet further.

There was a particularly flashy-looking fellow lurking near the entrance; he couldn't quite see him from this angle, but he noted him all the same. Pale hair and red eyes -one of which was marked with an odd tattoo near his brow. Clad in dark clothes, he stood apart from the rest, with a single golden band wrapping each bicep. Tall, too.

...maybe it was best not to approach him...

"Hello~!"

A soft voice called out, jarring him out his reverie.

Naruto pivoted on one heel and beheld a girl of slender build in dark clothes waving at him across the way. Huh, was his first thought. She's kinda tall for her age. The next thing he noted was her hair. Long and straight, reaching just below her waist, bound by two butterfly clasps. Her eyes were unlike anything he'd ever seen, if only because they didn't seem to have pupils. They were just so...bright. Lively, even. Maybe a little slanted towards the inside of her face, but nonetheless all too keen.

"You, there!" She flailed her hand his way. "Yes, you! Might we have a moment of your time?"

By contrast the girl beside her was even shorter; her wavy hair faded from black into a dark purple, curtain bangs framing her face. Although their attire matched, little else did. She wasn't smiling. If anything she looked rather cross at the moment.

Wait, why were they headed this way?!

"Sister!" the smaller girl hissed at the larger, "What're you doing! We're not here to make friends! This is foolish!"

"Now, now..." The taller of the two wouldn't be swayed. "There's nothing wrong with a little chitchat, surely?"

Naruto and Kyojuro exchanged a baffled look. The latter shrugged. "They seem nice...?"

"Nice, he says." Naruto rolled his eyes. "Your words, not mine...

In no time at all there girls were upon them, and there was no escape.

And you are...?"

"Kanae Kocho." the older of the two offered her hand with a genteel smile. "This is my younger sister, Shinobu."

Naruto tilted his head, not quite comprehending that strange smile of hers. "And the two of you came over to us, because...?"

"We'll be facing a great many demons tonight." Kanae hummed as she cupped both hands and laid them against her cheek. "There's strength in numbers, no?"

Rengoku boomed a laugh at that. "Indeed! I am Kyojuro! This is my elder brother, Naruto! We would be happy to have you!"

Naruto's head whipped toward him with an audible crack. "We would?!"

"How wonderful! Why don't we shake on it?"

Naruto twitched. 'For crying out loud...

Much to his chagrin, Kanae closed her eyes and wiggled her arm his way again, still wearing that with that strange smile of hers.

He didn't budge. "Seriously?"

Neither did she. "Aren't you going to shake my hand?"

Pushy little thing. "...you're really persistent, ya know that?"

"So I've been told!"

With a long-suffering sigh, he and stepped in to clasp her palm. He immediately noticed the callouses in her grip. For all her dainty appearance, her grip was strong. Not so harmless as she seemed after all, this one. In his peripherals he saw Kyojuro do the same with a sullen Shinobu. Meh. She'd crumble eventually. One simply could not stay angry with his younger brother. It just wasn't possible.

"So you've both come here to slay demons, yes?"

Naruto winced. "Hey now, some might be harmless."

He knew it was a stretch, but his beliefs still held even after all these years. Surely there were some good demons out there. Had to be. Some might have become demons for reasons beyond their control. And then there was that strange woman he'd met last night. She could've squashed him like a bug, but instead, she'd let him live.

No, demons weren't all black and white. There were shades of grey. So much grey...

Shinobu saw his expression and scoffed. "You're mad. We can't get along with demons, let alone befriend them!"

Kanae's lips pressed into a thin line of disapproval. Remarkably, Naruto realized the expression wasn't directed toward him, but her sister.

Shinobu flinched beneath it.

"Your sister seems to disagree." Credit where it was due, Kyojuro supported him all things and stepped up beside him. "Even so, I believe in my brother." It was the wrong thing to say to Shinobu; because she absolutely glared at him for it. Still, he bulled onward. "Surely there's some good mixed in among the bad."

"Nonsense. Demons are demons."

It was, however, the right thing to say to Kanae.

"My, my!" her hands clasped his, startling the younger blond. "I'm so glad you agree~!

Shinobu clearly didn't.

Naruto preened a little. "Why don't we just agree to disagree, eh?"

"You're playing a dangerous game." Shinobu grabbed him by the sleeve. "You'll get yourself killed!"

He laughed at her concern. "Aw, are you worried about little 'ol me?

She scowled. Her palm whistle toward his face.

He caught her by the wrist. "Nice try~!"

"Everyone...

Naruto stiffened as the one of the doll-like girls at the entrance finally spoke.

"Everyone," the odd duo spoke anew in unison, almost eerily so. "...we thank you for coming here tonight to the final selection of the Demon Slayer Corps."

Silence fell upon the mountain. It gave Shinobu the chance to tear her arm free from Naruto's grasp.

He let her go, eyes focused firmly on the children.

"There are demons imprisoned here on Mt. Fujikasane, captured alive by Demon Slayer swordsmen, and unable to leave." one of the twins paused, only for her other half to continue in her stead. "That is because wisteria, which demons hate so much, blooms even out of season from the bottom to halfway up the mountain."

Kyojuro thumbed his chin. "So that's what Father meant...

Naruto hushed him. "Lemme listen!"

"However, there is no wisteria from this point on." the darker of the two intoned. "So a great many demons abound...

"You'll need to survive her for seven days to pass the Final Selection." her pale-haired twin echoed. "Those who do so and make their way to the peak shall be rewarded."

Together, they bowed as one being. "And now, be on your way."

Everyone went mad.

Stoic swordsmen and stern swordswomen who had been the very picture of health moments ago now began to panic; no doubt unprepared for the ordeal of surviving a full week on the mountain with little to no resources. Naruto read many of them at a glance. Most hadn't brought anything with them beyond their blades, having thought this to be a simple test.

Soon enough, people began to pair up.

It began slowly; two grouped up here, a third there, but soon enough it became obvious. Within two minutes many hopeful slayers had sought strength in numbers.

Rare was the initiate who ventured into the woods alone.

Was that why Kanae had approached them first? Perhaps she'd sensed their strength and gravitated toward them because of it? He doubted they were the strongest here, or even the best prepared. They had food enough for three days, and that was assuming they rationed it carefully. Why choose them in the first place? Naruto flicked a glance Kyojuro's way. Still smiling as ever. Nothing seemed to faze his brother.

In the end, he supposed it didn't matter. They were here now. Might as well make the best of it.

"Well?" Kanae's smile was all too confident. "Shall we be off, then?"

Naruto and Kyojuro exchanged a bemused glance. As one, they bolted into the forest at a dead run. Kanae and Shinobu faltered behind, then raced after them. The gap widened at first, then shrank bolder when it became clear they weren't going to break off from one another.

Not one of them knew the hell awaited them.

But they would soon enough.

Soon, indeed.

A/N: Had to save some bits for next chapter. Care to guess who paid Naruto a visit that night?

You may THINK you know, but do you really...?

Also, we all know what's in that forest.

Ought to be interesting seeing the kids tackle the Hand Demon.

So, thus far! We have Naruto and Kyojuro. Shinobu and Kanae. Sabito and Giyu. One mustn't forget Uzui! I was half tempted to include Makomo -still might!- but apparently its canon that she and Sabito never met until after their deaths. At least the wiki says so.

Fine, fine, Demon Slayer, ruin my fun why dont'cha.

Still, that's seven named characters running about. Next chapter might take awhile because of that.

As ever, we're following the Ember's Rule here. That's no joke. Really, it isn't.

If folks don't like this...well, it won't be continued. And it doesn't seem all that popular compared to "Doctor of Demons"...

*Sigh*

Every bit of feedback helps. Reviews are the fuel which keeps me writing in these crazy times. With my tight schedule -two jobs!- I simply don't have time to write a story folks don't like. Without them, my inspiration cannot take wing and I can't write a word. So by all means, speak up! Frankly I'm amazed no one's gone with this angle. I mean really, it just fit. Naruto as Rengoku's twin. Why has no one -to my knowledge!- done this yet?! If they have, then by all means point it out and I'll gladly read -and review!- it to boot.

As ever, reviews are the wind beneath my wings. Without them I cannot write.

Now, the enjoy the previews. Some are pretty far off, but still~!

Timeskip coming soon!

(Previews!)

"Do either of you use a certain breathing style?"

Kanae was clearly fishing

"We both use Flame Breathing, though my brother has-

"Shh!" Naruto bit out. "Don't go givin' away my secrets!"


Flesh!

So hungry.

So very, very hungry!

Four humans! He'd eat them all!

The tallest of the four stepped aside.

"Flame breathing really ain't for me. I mean, I can use it, but dad says I'm no good at it, and he's right." he turned slightly, a moonlight silhouette against his back. "I can't control it very well. These days I've got my own style, though its not a very kind one." He touched a hand to the katana at his belt and drew it slowly. It was a bright, vivid red. Like the sun itself. "I hope you appreciate this. You have no idea what I had to go through to wield this sword, suppress my instincts, to make this a reality...

He planted one foot forward. "Demon Breathing...

"Are you kidding me?! How is that a style?!

His blade blazed gold. "Ninth Form...

And he swept it forth.

...Kurama."


"Delicious!"

...yeah, he does that." Naruto sighed as they polished off their boxed meals. "Don't mind him."


"Ninth form...

Rengoku didn't speak beyond that. There was no need. Both blade and body blazed.

Naruto hissed. "Everybody! Outta the way!"


Survive for seven days, eh?"

...this reminded him of the Chunin exams.

The pressure in his head spiked. "What's a chunin exam...?"

"I mean, there's strength in numbers, right?


"So many of you!" countless hands flailed about, grasping none. Gah! Hold still!"

The world spun.

He didn't even realize he'd been thrown until his back struck the ground; instinct forced his legs to kick out and right himself.

Blood spattered the forest floor.


...you can really help me?"

"Perhaps." the demonic woman granted him a nod. "Perhaps not."


R&R~!